The Classic Mr Fortune Mysteries ( 25 Stories ). Illustrated

The Classic Mr Fortune Mysteries brings together 25 of the finest short stories by H.C. Bailey, featuring the brilliant and unconventional amateur detective Mr. Reggie Fortune. This beautifully illustrated edition includes the collections Call Mr Fortune, Mr Fortune’s Practice, Mr Fortune’s Trials, and Mr Fortune, Please — a treasure trove for lovers of classic British crime fiction.

Reggie Fortune is no ordinary sleuth. A medical man by training and a gentleman by nature, he combines sharp intellect with deep compassion. His investigations often reveal not only murder and deception but also the darker corners of human weakness, cruelty, and injustice. With his dry wit and unorthodox methods, Mr Fortune stands alongside the great detectives of the Golden Age.

Each story presents a self-contained mystery — from sinister country houses and shadowy inheritance claims to crimes of passion and wartime intrigue. Fortune’s approach is always thoughtful and psychological, often uncovering the emotional and ethical complexities behind the crime.

H.C. Bailey’s writing is elegant, layered, and atmospheric. He excels at blending intricate plots with character-driven narratives, making these stories more than simple puzzles. They explore moral ambiguity, social change, and the weight of conscience — all through the lens of Fortune’s perceptive eye.

This collection is not only a showcase of clever detective work but also a compelling portrait of interwar Britain. The inclusion of original illustrations adds charm and period authenticity to this edition.

A must-have for fans of Sherlock Holmes, Lord Peter Wimsey, and lovers of intelligent, human-centered mysteries.
Contents:
• Call Mr Fortune:
— The Archduke's Tea — The Sleeping Companion
— The Nice Girl
— The Efficient Assassin
— The Hottentot Venus
— The Business Minister
• Mr Fortune's Practice:
— The Ascot Tragedy
— The President of San Jacinto
— The Young Doctor
— The Magic Stone
— The Snowball Burglary
— The Leading Lady
— The Unknown Murderer
• Mr Fortune's Trials:
— The Young God — The Only Son — The Furnished Cottage
— The Hermit Crab
— The Long Barrow
— The Profiteers
• Mr Fortune, Please:
— The Missing Husband
— The Cat Burglar
— The Lion Party
— The Violet Farm
— The Quiet Lady
— The Little House